Dr. Salvador Plasencia has agreed to plead guilty to four federal counts of distributing ketamine in connection with actor Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose in October 2023. Prosecutors allege Plasencia provided Perry at least 20 vials of ketamine via his Malibu urgent‑care clinic and through another physician in exchange for cash, and trained Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to inject the drug. Texts reveal Plasencia mocking Perry as “a moron” ripe for exploitation. While he faces up to 40 years in prison, the fatal dose allegedly came from dealer Jasveen “Ketamine Queen” Sangha, who maintains innocence and will stand trial in August 2025. (PC: The Independent)

A 14‑member central health team including ICMR, NCDC, WHO and FSSAI officials has arrived in Jajpur, Odisha, to respond to a cholera outbreak linked to a community feast attended by over 2,500 people. Fourteen deaths and around 1,500 hospitalisations have been confirmed, with Vibrio cholerae detected in eight of 41 stool samples. Severe dehydration and acute diarrhoea are being managed with ORS, IV fluids, and extra medical staff deployed from Cuttack’s SCB Medical College. Authorities have sealed an illegal water bottling plant, are disinfecting wells and tubewells, fixing pipelines, and advising boiled‑water use. The situation is stabilising, but officials urge prompt treatment to avoid further escalation. (PC: Times of India & Scientific American)

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has emerged, accounting for over 10% of global infections. Confirmed cases have been reported in Northern Ireland and Wales. While there is no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness, experts suggest it infects cells more efficiently and may trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea. The World Health Organization has designated it a “variant under monitoring”. First detected in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has spread to the US, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong. Due to reduced testing, tracking infections has become increasingly difficult. (PC: Yale Medicine)

Two Chinese researchers, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), have been indicted in Michigan for allegedly smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a fungus causing “head blight” in wheat, barley, maize, and rice into the United States, prosecutors say. The US Justice Department flags it as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” linked to economic losses and health hazards like liver damage and reproductive defects. China expert Gordon G. Chang warned on Fox News this could be an act of war—“something worse than Covid”urging severance of US - China ties. Critics argue the fungus is already established and controllable with fungicides. The government now faces a stark choice on biosecurity and diplomacy. (PC: Wikipedia)

As of June 8, India has 5,755 active COVID-19 cases, with 391 new infections and 4 deaths in the last 24 hours, said the Health Ministry. Kerala reported the highest rise with 127 new cases, followed by Gujarat (102) and Delhi (73). So far in 2025, 5,484 patients have recovered and 59 people have died. States with new deaths include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Only Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Chandigarh reported no new cases. Hospitals across India are now running mock drills to check oxygen, ventilator, and medicine availability in case of a bigger COVID-19 surge. (PTI)

On June 5, 2025, the Indian government conducted a comprehensive COVID-19 mock drill across hospitals nationwide to evaluate readiness amid a rise in active cases exceeding 4,000. The exercise focused on testing availability of isolation wards, ICU beds, oxygen support, and ventilators. Officials aimed to identify gaps in healthcare infrastructure and improve response mechanisms to potential future outbreaks. Health authorities reiterated the need for continued vigilance and strict adherence to COVID-appropriate protocols to prevent further spread of the virus. (PC: PTI)

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has been identified in the UK, with confirmed cases in Northern Ireland and Wales. This Omicron subvariant, first detected in January 2025, now accounts for over 10% of global infections. It has rapidly spread to multiple countries, including the US, Australia, Thailand, and is currently the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong. While NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness, it is believed to infect cells more efficiently and may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea. Health authorities continue to monitor its progression and advise the public to remain vigilant. (PC: BBC)  

India’s active Covid-19 caseload has crossed 4,000, rising sharply within three days of breaching the 3,000 mark, according to the Health Ministry. On Tuesday, the country recorded 65 fresh cases and five deaths. Kerala reported the highest number of infections (1,416), followed by Maharashtra (494) and Gujarat (397). Delhi, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh also saw triple-digit spikes. The reported deaths include elderly patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and acute respiratory conditions. Despite 512 recoveries in 24 hours, the upward trend is being closely monitored amid concerns of a possible resurgence. (PC: HT) 

The Delhi High Court has raised alarm over a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the capital, urging the Centre to expedite guidelines for the collection and transport of samples. With 483 active cases in Delhi, Justice Anish Dayal emphasized the urgency, citing the Centre’s delay despite forming expert committees in 2023. The court was hearing a contempt plea filed by Dr. Rohit Jain, who alleged non-compliance with earlier directives. While acknowledging progress, the court directed the Centre to submit a status report within six weeks. Rising cases in Asia have further prompted Indian authorities to enhance hospital preparedness and genome surveillance. (PC: HT)

India has reported a rise in Covid-19 cases, with 3,758 active cases as of June 1. In the past 24 hours, 363 new infections were recorded. Kerala has the highest number with 1,400 cases, followed by Maharashtra (485) and Delhi (436). Three Covid-related deaths were reported—one each in Kerala, Karnataka, and Delhi. The deceased include a 24-year-old woman in Kerala, a 63-year-old man in Karnataka, and a 60-year-old woman in Delhi. Health officials have advised people to wear masks in crowded places and follow hygiene rules as a precaution. This marks the first major surge in cases in recent months. (PC: Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times)